Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Sabonis’ 25th triple double joins elite club of NBA players

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is doubled teamed by the Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) and guard Buddy Hield (17) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tyrese Maxey had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. 

#2 Domantas Sabonis scored his 25th triple double of the season, Sabonis also had 11 points, 13 rebounds, with 10 assists.

#3 Sabonis’ accomplishments makes him the fifth player all time for NBA players who have scored 25 triple doubles or more in a season joining Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

#4 Kings head coach Mike Brown said that Sabonis is having a phenomenal. Coach Brown said that Sabonis should have been first, second or third NBA All Star or have earned the MVP. Despite all his work he gets very little national attention.

#5 The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks on tonight at Golden 1. It’s back to back nights for the Kings they have the home court advantage. Mavericks (42-29) have won four in a row coming into tonight’s game and have won seven of their last ten games. The Kings (42-29) have the same identical record as the Mavericks and have won two in a row coming into tonight’s game.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sabonis leads Kings with 25th triple double in 109-107 victory over Magic at Golden 1

The Orlando Magic guard Tyrese Maxey (left) drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (right) in the first half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday. The Kings were back on the court after an off day on Sunday. The Kings had last played against the Orlando Magic on Saturday in Orlando.

The Kings beat the Magic 109-107. On the other hand, the Kings welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers, who had last played on Sunday in Los Angeles against the Clippers. The 76ers defeated the Clippers 121-107. The Kings and 76ers tipped off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the 76ers on Monday by the final of 108-96.

In the first quarter, it was the Tyrese Maxey and Keegan Murray show. Tyrese had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. The Kings outscored the 76ers in the first quarter 31-25. The Kings would look to maintain Maxey in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings did a solid job on Tyrese. Maxey only managed five points in the second quarter as the Kings ballooned the lead on the 76ers. The Kings outscored the 76ers 29-23 in the second quarter. The Kings went into halftime leading 60-48. Keegan Murray led the Kings in the first half with 19 points. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 26 points in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to put pressure on the 76ers. The Kings expanded the lead on the 76ers by outscoring them 23-20. The Kings would go up 83-68 entering the final quarter. The Kings leading scorer through three quarters was Keegan Murray with 21 points. Tyrese Maxey was still the leading scorer for Philly with 26 points. In the third quarter Domas Sabonis recorded his 54th striahgt double-double a league leading record the last 50 years.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings managed to hold on and seal the deal. The Kings held on to defeat the 76ers by the final of 108-96. The Kings were outscored in the final quarter 28-25. The Kings leading scorers in the game were De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray who each had 23 points. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in defeat with 29 points. The Kings got a much needed win against an opponent they should have beaten on paper without start Joel Embid.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavs on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Kings Win Cliff-Hanger Beating Orlando 109-107

The Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) takes the ball against the Orlando Magic center Mortiz Wagner (21) in the first half at the Kia Center in Orlando on Sat Mar 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After losing a game to the worst team in the NBA Thursday night, the Sacramento Kings (40-29) went on to beat one of the best Saturday night. The Kings beat the Orlando Magic (42-28) in a crazy game where there were insane lead changes numbers-wise. The game went right down to the wire with the Kings coming out on top 109-107. This was not a game for the faint of heart. It was a great and badly needed win for the team.

Saturday evening the Kings traveled to Orlando for a matchup with the Magic. The Kings lost a shocker to the Washington Wizards Thursday night 109-102. Whether they took the Wizards lightly which hardly seems the case or they were just off their game, they cannot afford losses this late in the season. These two teams are evenly matched so fans were in store for a real barn burner.

The first half was close from start to finish. As the two teams headed to the locker room after the first two quarters the Magic had a slim lead 56-54. After the first 12 minutes, the Kings had a 27-26 lead. The Magic went on to win the second quarter 30-27 and thus the halftime lead 56-54. This game had proven to be as close as expected.

The Kings fought for the third quarter winning it 27-25 and this game was knotted at 81. The Kings made a move in the fourth quarter. Keegan Murray was having a monster game making 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

De’Aaron Fox was needed to provide his fourth quarter magic as the clock wound down to under four minutes with Sacramento leading 99-94. The Kings had hit 15 triples so far in this game.

The Magic had pulled to within three points several times during the final minutes of this game with Sacramento fighting to hang onto the lead. With 21.2 seconds left on the clock, the Magic had taken the lead 107-106.

Orlando’s Jalen Suggs fouled Fox who hit both free throws and Sacramento took back the lead 108-107 with two seconds left in the game. Orlando went on to foul Keon Ellis who hit one of two free throw and that was the game. The Kings had won a nail-biter 109-107 against one of the best in the NBA.

Fox had the high for the Kings with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had yet another double double, his 66th this season. This one was his 53rd in a row tying Kevin Love for the longest streak. Sabonis finished with 21 points. Murray had a terrific game with 22 points going 6 of 7 from downtown. Ellis continues to play lights out with 19 points improving with every game.

“Heck of a win for our guys. They put pressure on the rim and they had a huge size advantage. I thought our group showed resilience and we rebounded well,” said Head Coach Mike Brown after the game. “When you are not shooting well, you have to defend. We won the possession game in a tough environment,” he said.

Monday night the Kings return home to Golden 1 Center to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings battle 4th place Magic Saturday night

Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) defends the Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (right) in the first half at the Capital One Center in Washington on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:
#1 You know what they say in the NBA anything could happen on any given night and at the Capital One Center the Washington Wizards who have one of the worst records in the NBA defeated the Sacramento Kings 109-102.

#2 The win ended the Wizards five game losing streak and Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 31 points. Kuzma hit 13 of 22 shots and had six rebounds this after missing the last two games.

#3 For the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox had 25 points and Malik Monk had 20 points and the Kings now are 16-8 when playing back to back games.

#4 Domantas Sabonis is still on a hot streak with 52 straight double double games. Sabonis had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

#5 The Kings tip off against the Orlando Magic on Saturday at 4:00pm PDT in Orlando. The Magic are 42-28 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Magic are going well with a five game winning streak.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts on Fridays at wwww.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Lose Critical Game To The Wizards 109-102

The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (left) is on a mission driving on the Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis to score at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

On Thursday night Sacramento Kings (40-29) suffered a stunning loss to the Washington Wizards (12-58) who are currently the worst team in the NBA 109-102 at the Capital One Center. The Kings had a miserable first and third quarter. Their offense was sadly lacking in those quarters.

De’Aaron Fox finished with 25 points, 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter but it was just not enough to get past the Wizards. Sacramento had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic.

Game recap: The rest did not do much for the Sacramento starters coming out stale in the opening quarter. They did not hit a single three in the first quarter. The Wizards led after the first twelve minutes 35-27.

Sacramento was unable to hit a three until 8:33 in the second quarter and the Wizards continued to build their lead. With under six minutes left in the half, the Wizards had a 54-36 lead.

The Kings needed some offense and they were not getting very much continually turning the ball over. Sacramento was missing Trey Lyles, and Kevin Huerter. In the late minutes of the second quarter the Kings were on the move with 4:20 left in the half.

They cut the Washington lead from 20 to 14. A single digit lead at halftime were in the Kings sights making this game manageable. Sacramento was missing short the entire first half and they also unable to make very many stops.

The Kings began to get those stops and they also got some great offense storming back on a 18-0 run tying up the game at 54. At the half the Wizards led 56-54. Sacramento had turned a 20 point deficit to two points and we had a brand new game.

The Kings had stopped the bleeding in the later minutes of the second quarter. De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk each had 10 points in the half. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes were on the verge of double digits and Sacramento had gotten this game under control.

Sacramento had a rough start in the third quarter falling behind by 15 points. The Wizards are the worst third quarter team in the league but the Kings were not taking advantage of this deficiency and Head Coach Mike Brown was forced to take an early timeout.

The Kings struggled throughout the third quarter and continued to search for answers in this nightmarish quarter trailing 84-76. The Wizards won the third quarter 28-22 but the Kings had cut the 15 point lead, in an 8-0 run, to 8 points. They were finally looking like they were back on track going into the fourth quarter.

As in the second quarter, the Kings got going in the fourth quarter going on a 15-0 sprint now trailing by a single point 84-83. In the fourth quarter Fox who is third in the league in scoring would do his best to carry his team on his back and the Kings would need him to finish off Washington.

With 7:00 left in the game Fox had already hit three three’s and two shots inside the paint. The Kings just could not get enough stops and their offense fell short in a stunning 109-102 loss to the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards had won their 12th game this season. The Kings had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic. Sacramento had the opportunity to pull to within one game of fifth place.

Fox finished with 25 points and off the bench Monk had 20 points. Sacramento shot 28% from beyond the arc and when the Kings are struggling from downtown they have a rough time winning.

Post game notes: The Kings traveled to Washington Thursday night to take on the Wizards after trouncing the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night to the tune of 123-89. How would they come out in this game after the amazing effort last night? The Kings starters were able to rest in the fourth quarter of that game looking ahead to Wednesday’s game.

Saturday night the Kings continue on the road traveling to Orlando taking on the Magic in a very tough matchup. They have to put this unexpected loss behind them and get back on track. This game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Kings Demolish Raptors 123-89; Sabonis chalks up his 24th triple-double

On defense the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) puts the squeeze on the Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wed Mar 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (40-28) lost to the Toronto Raptors (23-46) back in January but they were not having any of that in their game Wednesday night. They came in with a purpose and they played the Raptors off the court. This game was finished after the third quarter with the Kings finishing off Toronto in the fourth the final 123-89.

Game recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Kings leading after the first 12 minutes 32-27. Sacramento busted this game wide open in the second quarter leading at the half 68-45. They won the second quarter by a landslide 36-18. De’Aaron Fox already had 15 points and the incomparable Domantas Sabonis already had 12 rebounds.

Sacramento took their first half energy into the third quarter winning the quarter 31-20 and the Kings had a 99-65 lead going into the fourth quarter. Sabonis had his 24th triple double and another double double his 63rd this season.

The Raptors had their best quarter of the game but it was over after the third quarter. Toronto tied the Kings in the fourth quarter 24-24 and a lot of credit to the Raptors for continuing to fight.

The Kings did let their foot off the pedal mid-way through the quarter but pulled it back together to finish off the Raptors. Sacramento had tied up their series at one apiece. Whether it was the memory of the game back in January or where the season is right now, the Kings came into this game with a real agenda and they never backed down.

This was a monster game for the Kings. Fox had the team high of 20 points. Sabonis had 17 rebounds, 10 assists and 13 points for another triple double. Malik Monk and Chris Duarte had a terrific game off the bench. Monk with 17 and Duarte with 14. This was their second win in a row and it was an important win as this season approaches the finish line. Every game is critical right now.

Post game notes: Wednesday night the Kings took on the Raptors on the road at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Kings came into this game after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in Sacramento on Monday night. They sit in sixth place tied with the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns are a half a game behind both of them. The Raptors beat the Kings back in January in their only meeting this season. Toronto is really struggling this season and couldn’t break their seven game losing streak extending to eight games with the loss to the Kings.

The Kings continue on the road taking on the Washington Wizards Thursday night. This team right now is committed to winning and that is what the Kings are seeing right now. Hopefully they will take this energy into their next game in Washington. The good news for the Kings is that they were able to rest their starters in the fourth quarter of this game. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at the Capital One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings and Raptors tip off tonight at Scotiabank in Toronto

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis forward (center) catches himself in double coverage with the Memphis Grizzlies Jarren Jackson Jr forward (left) and guard DeJon Jearreau (right) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 Malik Monk was the leading scorer with 28 points on Monday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento in the Sacramento Kings overtime contest against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies in the ten point 121-111 win.

#2 In the overtime stanza Monk as hot again scoring 12 of 28 points. Monk just had a rhythm going and was hitting his shot.

#3 What can you say about Domantas Sabonis he’s having a Hall of Fame season he chalked up his league leading 50th double double. Sabonas no doubt a key player in the Kings offensive scheme of things.

#4 Head coach Mike Brown was proud of the job that Sabonis did against the Grizzlies saying all you have to do is put the ball in his hands and Sabonis will do the rest.

#5 Wednesday night the Kings are in Toronto facing the Raptors. The Raptors are 23-45, 12th place in the Eastern Conference, they have struggled severely they are on a seven game losing streak. How do you see this match up between the Kings and Raptors tip at 4:30pm PT.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Monk leads Kings with 28 pts in overtime victory beat Grizzlies at Golden 1, 121-111

The Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk led with 28 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Mon Mar 18, 2025 at the Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (39-28) were back in action on Monday night at Golden One Center. The Kings last played on Saturday as they took on the New York Knicks at home. The Kings dropped that game to the Knicks 98-91. The Kings would have the day off on Sunday before welcoming in their fellow Western Conference foe, the Memphis Grizzlies (23-46).

Memphis has been plagued by injuries all year as star Ja Morant is gone for the season. The Grizzlies wanted to play spoiler on the Kings as the race in the Western Conference tightens. The Kings came away with a home victory over the Grizzlies 121-111.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out slow on offense. The Kings looked out of joint and not in rhythm on the offensive end early. In the opening few plays of the game, Kevin Huerter would also leave with an elbow injury.

The Kings were outscored by the Grizzlies 28-35 in the first quarter to go down early. It was a game that the Kings certainly shouldn’t lose. So, the fans would wait for a bounce-back quarter in the second.

In the second quarter, the Kings bounced back with a statement. The Kings scored 29 points in the second quarter to keep the offense on track. However, the quarter’s story would be holding the Grizzlies to just 15 points in the second.

The Kings would enter halftime with a 57-47 lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in scoring in the first half with 13 points. GG Jackson was the Grizzlies first-half leading scorer with 13 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings couldn’t extend the lead. The Kings and Grizzlies battled in the third and largely just traded shots most of the quarter. De’Aaron Fox had some late-quarter heroics, hitting three straight three-pointers to help the Kings score 27 points in the quarter. The Grizzlies would score 29 points in the quarter to get a few points back in the game. The Kings would go into the fourth quarter leading 84-76.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings would falter and give up the lead. The Kings, leading by eight going into the quarter, would lose the lead, and it would be a tie game at 99 apiece with 2:58 minutes to play. Defensive complacency and made shots would erase the Kings lead against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies would take the lead with 33 seconds remaining.

The Kings would be down 105-103 with Coach Brown calling a timeout to draw up a play. The Kings would score, and the Grizzlies would send the game to overtime at 105-105. The Grizzlies outscored the Kings 29-21 in the fourth quarter.

In overtime, it was all Malik Monk and the Kings. Malik took over the overtime period and put the Kings on his back. The Kings would defeat the Grizzlies 121-111. The Kings outscored the Grizzlies 16-6 in the overtime period. The Kings leading scorer in the game was Malik Monk, who scored 28 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for the Grizzlies in defeat with 25 points.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Toronto to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at 4:30 PM PST.

Brunson’s 42 points puts Knicks past Kings 98-91

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson who scored 42 points takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Sat Mar 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off a win in their last game on Wednesday night. The Kings defeated the Lakers on Wednesday, sweeping the season series between the teams.

The Kings had two days off and were ready for their next opponent. The New York Knicks came to town on Saturday to take on the Kings. The Knicks were 39-27 coming into the matchup, and the Kings were 38-27. Tip-off on Saturday was set for 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center. The Kings would lose 98-91 to the New York Knicks.

In the first quarter, defense was the name of the game. The Knicks and the Kings played solid defense to limit the offense in the first quarter. The Kings scored 22 points in the first quarter to take an early lead against the Knicks. The Knicks only managed 21 points against the Kings in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis started the game hot, scoring 13 points in the first quarter and five assists.

In the second quarter, offense remained at a premium. However, the Kings had minimal answer for Jalen Brunson on defense. Brunson scored 21 points in the first half to lead the Knicks to a halftime lead over the Kings. The Knicks outscored the Kings 32-26 in the second quarter to take a 53-48 lead going into halftime. Domas Sabonis was the Kings’ leading scorer in the first half, scoring 18 points.

In the third quarter, both teams would trade baskets. Brunson continued to torch the Kings even as they played solid defense. Brunson couldn’t miss. Brunson scored 33 points through the first three-quarters of action. The Knicks outscored the Kings 26-22 in the third quarter. The Knicks would take a 75-74 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, It was a dogfight until the end. Brunson and his magnificent performance was the story of the game, but could the Kings overcome him? Unfortunately for Kings fans, the Knicks defeated the Kings 98-91.

The story of the game was Brunson. Jalen scored 42 points against the Kings on 28 attempts. The Knicks outscored the Kings 17-23 in the fourth quarter to take the win. The Kings leading scorer was Domantas Sabonis, who scored 21 points in the game.

The secondary story of the game was the awful officiating. One play late that was particularly egregious was when Sabonis was trapped in the paint. He would then be hacked, and a no-call would follow, leading to a double-dribble. It was a microcosm in the game of terrible officiating.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 7 PM PST. Memphis will be without Ja Morant as he has been out and will be the rest of the season.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Knicks Saturday; Sac can win their 3rd straight game

Sacramento Kings guard Molik Monk (0) asks “whose the man?” in second half action against the New York Knicks at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Thu Mar 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (38-27) Domantas Sabonis got a triple double with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and ten assists that helped defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (36-31) 120-107 at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

#2 The Kings have had success against the Lakers having won seven of the last eight games against Los Angeles and also swept the Lakers in all four games this season.

#3 The Kings Harrison Barnes scored seven 3 pointers and had 23 points. De’Aaron Fox had 21 points and Keegan Murray had 19 points.

#4 Sabonis keeps adding up those triple doubles picking up his 23rd of the season which leads the NBA.

#5 The Kings host the New York Knicks (39-27) at Golden 1 Saturday night at 7:00pm PDT. The Knicks are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have won five of their last ten games and have won two straight coming into Saturday night’s game.

Join Jeremiah for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com